MSSD: Foundation stone laid for multi-purpose facility in Gusinje

The cornerstone for a multi-purpose facility was laid in Gusinje, intended for the needs of the Center for Social Work, the Health Insurance Fund, the Day Care Center, the Pension Fund, and the Employment Agency.

As announced by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography, the cornerstone was laid by the Minister of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography Damir Gutić, the Permanent Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Montenegro Ekaterina Paniklova and the Mayor of the Municipality Sanel Balić.

"Here today we begin the construction of not only a facility, but also a hope for a further commitment to the well-being of citizens and the development of the municipality of Gusinje, laying the foundations from which a solid edifice will emerge, built on the understanding that every member of the community, regardless of age, income or circumstances, deserves access to support, safety and a sense of belonging. When built, this multi-purpose facility will serve as a beacon of social responsibility. It is designed to be flexible in purpose, but unique in mission, to serve the public good," said Gutić.

The ministry said that the Government of Montenegro allocated funds in the amount of around 280 euros for the construction of the 445.000 square meter facility, and the UNDP conducted a tender procedure and selected a contractor.

"This facility represents a significant step towards more accessible and quality public services for all citizens of Gusinje, especially for the elderly and people with disabilities. Through close cooperation with the Ministry and local authorities, UNDP strives to contribute to the development of services that strengthen the sense of belonging and improve everyday life. This is another example of how, through joint efforts, we can build a more inclusive society in which no one is left behind," said UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro, Paniklova.

As announced, the facility is significant for the municipality of Gusinje, especially due to the establishment of a day care service for adults and the elderly, and adults and the elderly with disabilities, all with the aim of preserving their dignity, right to choice and reducing institutional placement.

"I can say that this is a solemn act for our citizens, we have been waiting for this facility since 2017. With all our efforts, we managed to agree on everything with our partner in the Ministry, to remove the illegal facility, and today we finally laid the cornerstone for a future facility, which will house the CSR, the Social Insurance Institution and the Pension Fund, and most importantly, a Day Care Center for the Elderly. I hope that the day care center will improve the opportunity for our elderly citizens to socialize and that we will be at their service and thank them for experiencing old age in our city," said Balić.